Headlight Aiming

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Mazda CX-5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Perform headlight aiming if any of the following work is performed.
- Front combination light replacement
- Work that can affect vehicle height such as suspension replacement or removal/installation.

Empty the vehicle by having all occupants leave the vehicle and remove all the cargo except for the spare tire, jack and tools equipped on the vehicle.
Adjust the air pressure of each tire to the specified value. (See WHEEL AND TIRE SPECIFICATION .)
Move the vehicle to level ground.
Make a screen shown in the figure using double-weight, white paper.

Fig 1: Identifying Headlight Aiming Adjustment Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Line up the vehicle with the wall so that the distance to the headlights is 3 m {118 in} from the wall.

Fig 2: Checking Headlight Distance
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the height at the center point of the headlight.

Fig 3: Measuring Height At Center Point Of Headlight
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
NOTE:
- Measure the height at the center point of the headlight in which the aiming is being adjusted because the vehicle height differs depending on vehicle conditions.
Align the center of the headlight with the center of the screen.

Fig 4: Aligning Center Of Headlight With Center Of Screen
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Set a partition in front of the headlight which is not being adjusted to block the light.
Start the engine and charge the battery.
Turn on the headlight low beams.
NOTE:
- For the LED type, if the headlight low beams are turned on, the light as shown in the figure is emitted to the adjustment screen.
Fig 5: Identifying Headlight Low Beam On Light Adjustment Screen
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Cover the upper part of the headlight with a clean rag so that the brightness border line becomes transparent. (Headlight (LED type))
NOTE:
- If the headlight is covered with a clean rag from the upper part of the headlight in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, the yellow line disappears and the brightness border line becomes transparent.
Fig 6: Cleaning Rag From Upper Part Of Headlight
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Verify that the elbow point of the headlight is at the position indicated on the adjustment screen.

If the elbow point of the headlight is not at the position indicated on the adjustment screen, perform the following adjustment.

Rotate the adjustment screw to adjust the headlight.

Headlight (bulb type)

Fig 7: Rotating Adjustment Screw To Headlight (Bulb Type)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

Headlight (LED type)

Fig 8: Rotating Adjustment Screw To Headlight (LED Type)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.